Minor in Applied Computing

The minor in Applied Computing is designed for students who want to be sophisticated users of computing technology and principles in their field, but do not seek extensive programming experience. The Applied Computing minor offers grounding in basic computing skills and principles, and key technologies such as database management and computer networks. It also provides you the opportunity to integrate these skills into your major field.

The minor in Applied Computing does not require computer proficiency or prerequisites. The 25-credit minor consists of five courses: three core courses designed to offer depth in computing skills and concepts and two to encourage breadth of experience.

Core courses (15 credits)

TINST 310: Computational Problem Solving

• Learn computer jargon to better understand what you read and hear on the job
• Hear guest speakers talk about how computers are used in fields ranging from art to video editing
• Take a peek behind the scenes at how computers work
• Discover that you are already writing computer programs in Excel and Word; you know more than you think you do
• Have lively discussions about Napster and other ethical dilemmas
• The ins and outs of computer purchases: learn to understand computer ads
• Work together on fun in-class lab projects to effortlessly improve your skills

TINST 311: Database Management and Data Analysis

• Learn how Amazon organizes information about so many books
• Learn how to make your own database to keep track of your movies and music or your favorite sports
• Learn how to design an effective database application either for your job or for yourself
• Accounting students: take the next step beyond your TACCT 330 class

TINST 312: Networks and the Internet

• Create your own web pages and even hook them up to a database
• Eavesdrop on your classmates' network chatter and see how easy it is to have your password stolen
• Have lively discussions about network security and privacy
• Take a walking tour of the UW Tacoma networks
• See how simple it can be to build your own local network at your home or office
• Take a peek at how data is sent around the world quickly and error-free

Elective courses (10 credits)

You must choose one course from each list to fulfill the 10 elective credits.

List A (5 credits)

• TCSS 452: Human-Computer Interaction
• TCSS 481: Computer Security
• TINST 401: Technology in the Service of Global Society
• TINST 475: Entrepreneurship in Computer Science and Systems
• TINST 490: Special Topics in Applied Computing (supported by a CSS faculty member and another faculty member from another department)
• TINST 498: Directed Readings in Applied Computing
• TINST 499: Research in Applied Computing

List B (5 credits)

• A second TINST elective from List A
• TACCT 330: Introduction to Accounting Information Systems
• TBUS 301: Quantitative Analysis for Business
• TESC 100: Introduction to Environmental Science
• TESC 107: Geohazards and Natural Disasters
• TESC 120: Introductory Biology I
• TESC 122: Physics - Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion
• TESC 123: Physics - Waves
• TESC 130: Introductory Biology II
• TESC 140: Introductory Biology III
• TESC 215: Meteorology
• TESC 236: Plants and People: the Science of Agriculture
• TESC 239: Energy and the Environment
• TESC 243: Geography of the Physical Environment
• TESC 315: Applied Physics with Environmental Applications
• TESC 333: Environmental Chemistry
• TESC 340: Ecology and Its Applications
• TESC 345: Pollution and Public Policy
• TESC 362: Introduction to Restoration Ecology
• TESC 404: Costa Rica Field Studies: Ecology and Community
• TESC 433: Pollutant Fate and Transport in the Environment
• TESC 435: Limnology
• TESC 445: Estuarine Field Studies
• TGIS 311: Maps and GIS
• T HIST 487: Technology in the Modern World
• TPSYCH 330: Inquiry and Research in the Social Sciences
• TSOCWF 424: Information Technology and Human Service Practice

For questions, contact your academic adviser.